it would seem so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would seem so" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to express agreement with something somebody else has said, and to show that the speaker has reached that conclusion based on the evidence available. For example, "Do you think John can solve this problem? It would seem so, considering his track record in this area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

It would seem so, yes.

The New Yorker

On this form, it would seem so.

The Guardian - Opinion

It would seem so, and Gove has called it "ridiculous".

Independent

"How sweet is that?" It would seem so.

The New York Times - Sports

By all methods of Hollywood accounting, it would seem so.

The New York Times

Was he doing this to keep favour with his old medical school?" It would seem so.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

I can't imagine writing anything without it; that would seem so prehistoric.

Los Angeles Times

When asked by a reporter if foul play is involved, Weintraub said, "It sure would seem so".

Huffington Post

Would seem so.

The New York Times - Magazine

As clothes and roles are shed, it would seem that so is deception; in nakedness there is truth.

The New York Times - Books

Little did I know that, nine years later, it would seem like so much more.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase when you want to convey a sense of measured judgment, avoiding definitive statements in situations where complete certainty is lacking.

Common error

While acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing "it would seem so" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and assertive language to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would seem so" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates agreement or concurrence with a preceding statement or question, implying that a conclusion has been reached based on available evidence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it would seem so" is a commonly used expression to indicate agreement or a conclusion drawn from evidence, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adverbial phrase, typically found in neutral contexts like news and media. While grammatically sound, its formality might not suit all academic contexts. Alternatives like "it appears that way" or "the evidence suggests" can offer a more formal tone. Use "it would seem so" when you want to politely express agreement or tentative conclusions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears that way

Emphasizes the visual or observable aspect of the conclusion.

it seems that way

A slightly more direct synonym, focusing on the apparent truth.

it suggests that

Highlights the suggestive nature of the evidence.

the evidence suggests

Focuses on the evidence as the basis for the conclusion.

that seems to be the case

More formal and emphatic, asserting the likelihood of a particular situation.

it is likely so

Directly expresses probability or likelihood.

it's reasonable to assume

Emphasizes the logical basis for the conclusion.

one might conclude

Introduces a degree of speculation or possibility.

indications suggest

Highlights that signs point toward a particular outcome.

that's the logical conclusion

Emphasizes that the conclusion follows logically from the facts.

FAQs

How can I use "it would seem so" in a sentence?

Use "it would seem so" to express agreement with a previous statement or to indicate a conclusion based on available evidence. For example, if someone asks "Is the project on track?", you could respond, "It would seem so, given the progress reports".

What's a more formal alternative to "it would seem so"?

For more formal situations, consider using alternatives like "it appears that way" or "the evidence suggests", which convey a similar meaning with a more authoritative tone.

Is "it would seem so" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it would seem so" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. In such cases, phrases like "it suggests that" or "that seems to be the case" may be more suitable.

Can "it would seem so" be used to express uncertainty?

Yes, "it would seem so" inherently carries a degree of uncertainty, as it indicates a conclusion based on available evidence rather than absolute certainty. It implies that while the evidence points in a particular direction, other possibilities might exist.